How to get “idea power!”

Do you want to have idea power all the time?

Do you wonder how people come up with ideas?

Everyone can have idea power – with just a few tips, you too can generate ideas on a dime!

o Get past, “I’m not creative.” Listen, if you aren’t coming up with ideas everyday you are stagnating and shrinking. It’s not about being creative, it about idea power.
o It’s a frame of mind – idea power is comes from a commitment from you to be on a constant “lookout” for ideas and idea-stimulus.
o Have a wide-eye view of the world and the curiosity of a kid. Ask, “why?” and “why not?” And be sure to look at things beyond your normal view each day.
o Look for connections in the things that you notice. What can be connected to your brand, your ideas, your random thoughts? Connections will create new ideas that don’t exist.
o Color! Use colors to help you zig when everyone is green in the summer or white in the winter. Silver is the color of “light” beverages. What color is your idea and what does it stand for?
o EMBRACE CHAOS! It’s not going away. Learn to love it and then simplify it. In the chaos are thousands of ideas just waiting to be discovered.
o Collaborate with “builders.” Like the $10,000 Pyramid – you need to know a good “giver” or “receiver” of ideas. Maybe there is a really good brainstormer in your office that can help you build on your thoughts.
o Find TRANQUILITY. I’m not talking about a place to go to brainstorm. My tranquil place is my kids and wife. There the chaos stops when I remember they are the good thing in life that keeps me going. When you can find tranquility in your life, you’ll have a freer mind to generate ideas.
o Transformation. Now, after jotting down what you’ve seen in your wide-eye view it’s time to transform random ideas into real thoughts as they relate to your brand.
o Then it is time to look for themes of likeness to help you sort all the thoughts into “buckets.”
o Watch out where you generate your ideas. Is the conference room the best spot for your brainstorming? Probably not. Where do people that you know really lighten up and open up? Use that place – or transform the conference room into that place with creative stimulus.
o Get out there. Brainstorming is your opportunity to say “what if?” and “why not” since no one should be judging ideas until after you have finished brainstorming. Don’t be safe – push it!
o Unravel the layers of your ideas. Like a dress, made completely out of zippers, the opening of the layers will reveal and transform the dress and the person wearing it. This is a step you take with your team to see how powerful your ideas are – do they have extensions/tangents or a single focus?
o The single focus is what you need. Like an ice cube which has one purpose – to cool things, your idea should do one thing well.

Go get your ideas!
Embrace chaos. Find real tranquility. Make your ideas single-focused. You’ll find success this way.

Promotional Product of the Year: “Non-woven polypropylene”

Well, not really a product but a material for the ages. Non-woven polypropylene is the material used for our coveted grocery totes. We all have them in many shapes and sizes and many include a promotional message from a sponsoring company. And for most of us, we use them for their recyclability, reusability and reliability.

Yep. They help us do good for the environment by not using plastic bags that usually make their way into our garbage and then into a landfill.

Promo Product of the Year?
Here are a few reasons why it’s #1 in my marketing book:
1. Reliability, reusability as a grocery bag!
    a. Before its status as a hard-working grocery bag, most non-woven totes are used as a giveaway promotional item at a trade show, kids’ fair, or charity event
2. Fashion-forward. You don’t have to pay a lot for great fashion sense.
    a. Now non-woven bags can be printed in full-color and then laminated on the outside. Lamination gives the bag a high-gloss look that will complement any sack of potatoes
    b. You can even find bags that use brown kraft paper on the outside with non-woven polypropylene as a liner on the inside for strength. Full color graphics are printed on the paper using a decal
3. Versatility. Now makers of duffel bags, messenger bags and backpacks are using non-woven polypropylene as a main component or accent fabric.
    a. The non-woven material is less expensive, lighter and just as strong as many of the other fabrics.
        i. Now, the price points have come down on duffels and packs using non-wovens
4. Recyclability – most can be recycled as a #5 in your communities recycling program

Show your enthusiasm!
Who would have thought that non-woven polypropylene could be so cool! I love it. Jump on the full-color bandwagon and giveaway a bag that complements your brand image in all its “glossy glory!”

Go get your ideas!

Idea Speed Dating!

In other words, “I need a new product idea, today!” Help!

Use these steps to get a new product idea ready to present to the CEO by 5p.m.

9AM — Your boss just walked in and said the CEO wants to see some new product ideas by the end of the day.
               o For this example, the CEO wants a “line-extension” to compete with lower cost entries to the category….

9:15 — Breathe. Then get going on an outline of what you are going to do.

               1. Invite 10 people from different disciplines of the company to attend a 1-hour brainstorming session at 10:30am, today.
               2. Draft a brainstorming session outline:
                    a. Warm up
                          i. The group will know that this is an emergency meeting so have some fun so they don’t feel pressure. (You’re the only one that should feel any pressure –                              be even still you can’t let them see you sweat.)
                   b. Objectives
                         i. Tell them the product that needs the line extension.
                             1. What is the positioning of this product in the category?
                       ii. Review Mission and Vision statements of company
                  c. Let the “storming” begin.
                       i. Use any number of techniques to turn your product inside out to generate new ways to look at it.
                           1. For example, can you combine it with another product so it has multi-functions? Can you shrink it? Can you make it bigger? And so on…
                           2. Another example is to use “free word association.” Start with a product benefit and ask the group to start saying words that come to mind.  Pick several benefits to get a range of responses.
                               a. Then have the group put the words into “buckets” of like meaning. Give the buckets a name to define the words in it. (You’ll find paths to follow which will lead you to think of product features for extending the line.)

11:30am — Evaluate the ideas with a couple of people from the group.

Noon — Write concept statements for three of the best ideas. Making sure they are different enough to help you truly define what the new line-extension should do.
                   o Select visuals that help communicate the “concept” of the idea via stock photo searches, clip art and magazine photos.

1:00pm — Get consumer validation.
                      o Have 3 – 5 members of your team go to the marketplace where your product can be purchased.
                          a. Ask consumers for a moment of their time to review three short new product concepts.
                          b. Have a note keeper with you so you can ask the questions.

3:00pm — Summarize the consumer validation.
                      o Determine if you have a “line extension” idea.

3:30pm — Refine the team’s “recommended” product line extension idea.
                     o Refine concept statement and visual characterization of the idea.
                     o I.D. areas from validation that need further consideration and/or testing.

5:00pm — Present your new product idea to the CEO.

Is it this simple? It can be if you’re in a nimble organization. And, in today’s digital world, it’s not unexpected.

Go get your ideas!

Idea-generation tips for selecting promotional products.

If the task of selecting your next trade show giveaway falls on your shoulders and you don’t have time to surf the Web and thumb through catalogs for that “new” thing your boss is asking for, turn to these three tips.

o You’ll save time, get a better idea and make your boss happy.

1. Identify the objective of the giveaway.
     a. Is it to draw attention to your booth at the show – then you would give away something that attendees might wear that would get others wondering, “where’d they get that?”
     b. Is it to reward/thank the booth visitor – then you would give something that they might use in their office or car so they are reminded of your company.
     c. Is it to create awareness of a new product/service – then it will usually have something to do with that product and may take on the same colors or themes.
2. Confirm the target of your giveaway.
     a. A customer – your giveaway will likely be a “gift” of thanks. Or in the case of introducing a new product – it would be used to create awareness of the product and not the company.
     b. A prospect – your giveaway will likely be awareness oriented about your company or products.
3. Align ideas with positioning of your company/product.
     a. What ideas will communicate that one thing that differentiates your product/service?

There are thousands of ideas – not all the best ideas are “new.” And promotional products that have utility are those that will stick around your target’s office for a long time.

Picking the best idea
Once you have generated a list of promotional product ideas you’ll want to help your team pick their favorites.  Remind the team of the three steps you took to create the recommendations.
   o Then ask the team to “wear the shoes” of your target. As the target:
      o Where would I use the item?
      o Does it having staying power or will I give the item to my kids?
      o Do I think it supports the impression I have of the company who gave the item to me?

Go get some ideas!

Promote New Media with Promotional Products.

Let’s start a conversation about using promotional products to promote where your business can be found on the social media networks and mobile media campaigns.

You’re probably on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook – you might even be blogging. And, by doing your homework you found out that creating content relevant to your target prospect can create a conversation – and hopefully engage them to take action.

And why not promote mobile media efforts through an integrated campaign.

Here are three ideas for using promotional products to get the word out.
1. Add usernames for Twitter and Facebook to promotional items just like you would a phone number or URL.
2. Promote your conversation with a “Blogging @ ideagenerator” imprint.
3. Create an appropriate call to action based on the networks you are on. For example, “Tweet, text or click today – visit www.theIDEAgenerator.biz”

You can also reward Fans and “reTweeters” by offering them a promotional item. (Send a promotional item with a “conversation-starter” flyer that summarizes Fan conversations and trending topics.) Fan pages often give a product sample, coupon or bonus offer when someone becomes a fan – why not have higher value promotional product items as prizes to a random sample of fans.

It appears that the promotional product has a place in the new media world. High perceived value items that deliver utility will always be welcome.

Back in the late 80′s Range Rover ran an ad with the headline: Buy Something. Are we there again? Or is it turning? What do you say?

Number 10 of the Top 10 Promotional Products for 2010!

10. The K9 roller ball flow top water bottle! What a practical and stylish idea. It’s a 24 oz. stainless steel water bottle with a roller ball in the spout so the water comes out only as your dog licks the spout. Love it! Pet owners deserve to have a nice looking pet accessory on their belt loop. I suspect it beats carrying other pet related items – you know what I mean.

P.S. Visit my previous post to see the other 9 promo products that made my Top 10 list for 2010!

K9 Water Bottle!

Ten NEW Promotional Product Ideas for 2010!

The following is a list of my favorite new products that I’ve seen by reviewing all the new 2010 catalogs. My favorite, favorites have a photo to go with them. Come, on who says there aren’t any new ideas!

*The Flexi-vase. Soft, flexible PVC vase that folds flat for easy shipping and creates vase-shape when filled with water. Optional trim colors shown. (Why doesn’t 1-800-FLOWERS use this as a promotional item for Valentine’s Day – FREE Vase with every fresh cut flower order!) 

*Laminated Grocery Totes. (Made my “Prediction List” for Top 10 Promo Items for 2010.) Takes the grocery tote from utilitarian status to “fashion-statement” since it can be printed with intricate designs and four colors.

*Ceramic Travel Mug. Looks like those famous take-out coffee cups from your corner coffee shop. Yet, it’s made of ceramic and has a silicone cap that looks just like the plastic “to go” cap. I love it for the ingenuity! Love it for your coffee!

*Digital Video Recorders. Why shouldn’t you have a branded “flip” camera?! I know I want one.

*Mobile Phone Charger. Now there’s a small, simple way to get a charge when you can’t find an outlet. Plug into your phone – powers it from a AA alkaline battery. Gives you about 100 minutes of more talk!

*Bag Hanger. Made my “Top 10 for 2010!” also. Love it. Quirky. Ladies, will it keep your purse in plan view so those lurking near by won’t have a chance to take it? You tell me!

*Personal Mister. We’ve had the spray bottle/fan – now the personal mister to keep you cool in the dog days of summer! Looks like an upside down shower!

*Snuggle Blanket! Isn’t this your all-time favorite? Not just another “Snuggie,” check out the “remote” pocket on the front – nice touch. I got a Wisconsin Badgers Snuggie from a friend this Christmas – no I’m not writing this from the comfort of my Snuggie.

*Over the Sink Strainer. Check this out – at least I haven’t seen it before. Handy and functional.

*(????????????????) What new promotional products have you seen. What should make the “Top 10 for 2010!” I’ll give you my #10 next week.

My prediction — Top 10 promotional products of 2010!

Keeps your bags off the dirty floor.

Stylish, Eco-friendly -- a definite improvement.

Charging power when the cell's all drained.

It’s time to predict the top selling promotional items for 2010. While I’m comfortable going out on a limb – I don’t supply any guarantees. (Check in with me in June to see how my predictions came out.)

1. Hand Sanitizer. (Especially in the first quarter of the year.)
2. Stylish Grocery Totes. (Look for laminated non-woven polypropylene with attractive, colorful designs. Definitely a step up from the boring non-wovens we are using now.)
3. Fashion Lunch Totes. (The slow-to-recover economy will continue the eat-at-the-desk trend that the recession kick-started.)
4. Eco-friendly items (like journals, jotters, pens, mouse pads, briefcases and more.)
5. Digital Video Recorders (just like the Flip™ video recorder, but now it’s branded!)
6. Desktop Charging Station. (Who doesn’t need a neat and simple organizer that gathers a fistful of modern-era devices!)
7. Web Cam. (More home office/tele-commuting professionals need to connect face to face when miles apart.)
8. Bag Hanger. (A bit quirky – to the neat freaks among us, a tool that keeps your purse, briefcase, etc. off the floor and spotless from the dirty floor.)
9. Branded, Branded Items. (More and more items will contain a brand name to carry your brand name. Especially with lower cost items it will raise the value perception for the recipient.)
10. Mobile Phone Charger. (My vote for the “Best of 2010!” This little gadget powers your depleted mobile phone from the power of one AA battery. What a back up plan – keep those data minutes going and going….)

What do you think are the hot items for 2010?

What promotional products would Santa use to promote Christmas?

With more and more people promoting “Happy Holidays” in these modern days, poor Santa and his elves have started up marketing “Christmas.”

And since Santa is synonymous with gift giving, it’s no surprise that Santa’s marketing tool of choice is the timeless promotional product!

We asked Santa what type of promotional products he uses. See his Top 10 List:

1. The classic pine scented and Christmas Tree-shaped car freshener. (Would you sit behind 8 reindeer without one?)
2. A pine tree sapling in a self-mailing clear tube.
3. Shatter proof ornaments.
4. Plush mini-sized reindeer.
5. A recordable pen. (With a jolly “Ho, Ho, Ho!”)
6. A pad of paper with a “Christmas To Do List” heading. (Perfect for checking twice.)
7. Solar powered calculators. (Even Santa is on a tighter budget this year.)
8. Red, non-woven polypropylene grocery totes to haul your presents. (Santa is all-over the “green” movement.)
9. Little bottles of hand sanitizer. (Santa needs his elves to be flu-free, too.)
10. Frosted, cut-out cookies with the imprint in edible ink.

Santa’s imprint message on all the items? “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”